it should say something, that the Marine Corps designated marksmen rifle is an m14.

Yes, yes it is. And because the Army always belatedly learns lessons from the Marines once the SHTF, they too have been deploying M14s as DMRs. Of course, since the Army had to rush theirs into service, not all of them were accurized. A friend of mine in the 1st Cav was issued an M14 for his first tour in Iraq and it didn't even have a scope, much less glass bedding in a McMillan stock with NM gas cylinder and sights. Just a plane Jane M14 in a beat up old wooden stock. He was very glad to have it, though. Turned him into a believer.

The USMC's DMR:

Me in Nevada a few years back (yes, I know, get that frackin' knee down!):

That "Firing Line" M14 looks like it would weigh at least 16 lbs. WTF?!

That's what I mean with my comment on the barrel length. If you're going to have an accurized rifle with a scope, why chop the barrel. Everything else on that rifle screams DMR or sniper rifle, not CQB. The extra weight of a heavy barrel, heavy sniper style stock, scope mount and scope are acceptable for the former but a drag for the latter. Who really clears a building with a .30 cal weapon anyway? Too much recoil, muzzle flash and overpenetration. The barrel on the M14/M25 is 20" for a reason.

Hawg hunting kit:

Mushi mo atsui hodo
Mushiatsui

Originally Posted by chuey...Well **** if that isn't the most anti-Mr. Miyagi **** I have heard in ages.

It really does say a lot. In particular, it says a lot about the number of M14s that were sitting in inventory when people went looking for .30-caliber battle rifles.
;)

Actually, they ran short because Bill Clinton destroyed most of the inventory or gave it away. Once the Army got on the ball, though, they had Smith Enterprises in AZ do up a whole bunch of accurrized M14s called Crazy Horses.